Children's Residential Support Worker

VCare24 Limited; Pocklington; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

VCare24 Limited is seeking a dedicated professional to provide safe, trauma-informed care in a residential setting for children and young people. You will promote welfare, adhere to safeguarding policies and collaborate with families, local authorities and professionals to support positive outcomes.

The role requires strong communication, empathy and resilience, with the ability to work flexible shifts and complete DBS checks as part of safer recruitment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in residential childcare.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• GCSEs in English and Maths are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Promote welfare and safeguarding of children and young people.
• Identify, respond to and report safeguarding concerns in line with policy and statutory guidance.
• Maintain accurate records and work with families, authorities and professionals to deliver person-centred support.
• Administer and manage medications safely where required and according to plans.
• Support with education, daily living skills and activities to promote wellbeing and independence.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Teamwork

Resilience

Education

NVQ Apprenticeship - Level 3/4 in residential childcare

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare/Children & Young People’s Workforce

GCSE English and Maths (A*-C/4-9)

Tools

SharePoint

People HR

Job description

DIGNITY AT WORK:

Demonstrate a commitment to treating children, young people, families, colleagues and professionals with dignity, respect and fairness. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, champion children's rights and ensure services are delivered without discrimination in accordance with VCare24's Equality and Diversity Policy

PURPOSE:

To provide safe, nurturing and trauma-informed care and support to children and young people, promoting their welfare, development, independence and positive outcomes. To build positive relationships, maintain high professional standards and contribute to a safe, stable and homely environment in accordance with VCare and group company policies, Childrens Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, safeguarding requirements and Ofsted expectations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

PLEASE NOTE DECISION MAKING MUST BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Promotion of Welfare: As a role advocate, you will promote the welfare and safeguarding of young people and/or vulnerable adults, always ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

• Compliance and Statutory Obligations: Adhere to statutory requirements as specified in the, Childrens Act 1989 and 2004, Childrens Homes Regulations 2015, Ofsted Quality Standards, Health and Social Care Act 2008, Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.

• Policy and Contractual Compliance: Fulfil all contractual obligations, policies, procedures, and professional responsibilities, acting in accordance with relevant legislation, Ofsted requirements, safeguarding principles, and organisational values to maintain the integrity, reputation, and regulatory compliance of VCare24.

• Safeguarding Concerns:

Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times. Identify, respond to and report safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations, exploitation risks or significant incidents in accordance with VCare and group company polices, statutory guidance Local Authority procedure and Ofsted requirements 2023.

• Individual Care Planning: Partnership Working and Support Delivery: Follow and contribute to the planning, delivery, and review of individual care, support, behaviour, health, education, and risk management plans. Maintain accurate records and work flexibly with colleagues, families, local authorities, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations, and other professionals to deliver safe, person-centred support that promotes wellbeing, development, independence, and positive outcomes.

• Decision Making and Professional Judgement:

Exercise professional judgement within the limits of training, competence, delegated authority and organisational polices. Make day - to day decisions regarding the safety, wellbeing, activities, routines and support needs of children and young people, escalating safeguarding concerns

• Medication Management: Administer, record, store, and handle medication safely in accordance with individual care plans, organisational policies, regulatory requirements, and relevant legislation.

• Resilience, Restorative and Crisis Support:

Support children and young people using trauma informed restorative and therapeutic approaches to promote positive behaviour including PACE, emotional wellbeing, resilience, health relationships and positive outcomes. Build trusting relationships, help young people manager complex needs and challenging behaviours safely and professionally. Provide planned emergency and crisis support where required to maintain safety, stability and a naturing environment.

• Health, Safety and Risk Management:

Contribute to a safe environment by identifying hazards, reporting concerns, following risk assessments and complying with health and safety requirements, fire procedures and organisational policies.

• Education Support, Development and Wellbeing:

Provide support with personal care, education, daily living, and enrichment activities, promoting independence, wellbeing, development, social inclusion, and positive outcomes while helping maintain a safe, homely, and nurturing environment.

• Data Management, Information Governance and Confidentiality:

Maintain clear accurate and timely records including daily logs, incident reports, medication records, risk assessments including for children and young people using VCare24 systems, including SharePoint and People HR, ensuring all information is securely recorded, stored, shared. Managed in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, organisational policies, confidentiality requirements, and relevant regulatory standards.

• Professional Development, Training and Staff Support:

Actively participate in supervision, reflective practice, mandatory training and team meetings to maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills, and competencies. Support the induction, mentoring, and development of new and casual staff by sharing knowledge, good practice, and promoting high standards of care, safeguarding, and support.

Safety Critical Requirements of the Role: The post holder must be able to safely undertake the following essential functions of the role, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate:

• Apply approved de-escalation, breakaway and physical intervention techniques, in accordance with training, policies and procedures, to maintain the safety of children, young people, colleagues and members of the public.
• Manage and respond appropriately to challenging behaviours, conflict and crisis situations using trauma-informed, therapeutic and restorative approaches, including co-regulation techniques.
• Build positive relationships and support children and young people to regulate emotions and behaviours safely.
• Maintain emotional resilience and professional judgement when exposed to challenging, distressing or potentially traumatic situations.
• Accurately observe, recall, record and report incidents, safeguarding concerns and daily events using electronic recording systems and prescribed documentation.
• Safely undertake medication administration, record keeping, health and safety checks, food hygiene requirements and other compliance-related tasks.
• Drive as required to support the needs, safety and welfare of children and young people, subject to holding a valid driving licence and meeting insurer requirements.
• Work a flexible shift pattern, including evenings, weekends, sleep- in duties and waking night support where required to meet the needs of the service.
• Work safely and effectively both independently and as part of a team, including periods of lone working in accordance with risk assessments and service requirements.

GENERAL: The principal accountabilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time to meet the changing needs of the service, provided that any changes remain consistent with the purpose and level of responsibility of the role.

• All staff are required to successfully complete VCare24's comprehensive induction programme, including both theoretical and practical training components.
• Employment is subject to VCare24's Safer Recruitment procedures and satisfactory pre-employment checks.
• Successful applicants must obtain and maintain an Enhanced DBS certificate and register with the DBS Update Service where required.
• Employees are expected to comply with all VCare24 policies, procedures, training requirements and professional standards relevant to the role.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, professional and dependable.
• Compassionate, resilient and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Flexible and adaptable in meeting the needs of the service, including shift patterns, locations and duties.
• Experience of supporting individuals with SEN, learning difficulties, autism and/or complex needs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity and a person-centred approach in all aspects of practice.
• Committed to continuous learning, reflective practice and professional development.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS:

Specification

Essential

Desirable

Qualification -NVQ Apprenticeship - Level 3 or 4 diploma in residential childcare, children and young people\'s workforce (essential in working towards and achieve qualification within 2 years of commencing employment

X

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Children & Young People\'s Workforce, Health & Social Care, or equivalent.

X

English and Mathematics GCSE A* - C/levels 4-9 or functional skills level 2 (or equivalent qualification)

In the absence of the above: There will be a requirement to access funding for English and Mathematics alongside completing the NVQ

X

Effective communication skills, including the ability to engage positively with children and young people, work collaboratively with others, and maintain clear, accurate records.

X

Ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a team.

X

Demonstrates empathy, compassion, resilience and a child-centred approach, with the values and attitude required to support children, young people and vulnerable individuals with complex needs.

X

Committed to continuous professional development, including completion of mandatory training, safeguarding requirements and role-related competency assessments.

X

Full UK manual driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points and held for a minimum of 12 months (where driving duties are required). This includes regular DVLA checks.

X

Hold a current Enhanced DBS Certificate and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

X

Commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, participation and best interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

X

Understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy)

X

Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, professional boundaries and relevant legislation.

X

Ability to maintain accurate, timely and professional electronic records, reports and documentation.

Experience supporting children and young people with SEN, learning difficulties, autism or emotional and behavioural needs.

X

Experience within a residential children\'s home, supported accommodation or regulated care setting.

X

Knowledge of Childrens Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding procedures.

X

Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in relation to duties, work locations, shift patterns and working hours to meet the needs of the service.

X